In every part of the world, men and women are persecuted and attacked because of who they are or whom they love. Homophobia, transphobia and the brutal hostility associated with them are often rooted in a lack of understanding of what it actually means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). So to combat this terrible scourge and break the cycle of fear and violence, we must work together to improve education and support those who stand up against laws that criminalize love and promote hate. As we mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia this May 17, let us resolve to redouble our efforts.

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am proud to reaffirm our support for LGBT communities at home and abroad, and to call for an end to discrimination and mistreatment of LGBT persons wherever it occurs. Whether by supporting LGBT advocates marching in Belgrade, leading the effort at the United Nations to affirm the human rights of LGBT persons, or condemning a vile law under consideration in Uganda, we are committed to our friends and allies in every region of the world who are fighting for equality and justice. These are not Western concepts; these are universal human rights.

Despite these gains and hard work, there is more to do to turn the tide of inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, know that the United States stands with you and we are unwavering in our commitment to ending this cycle of hate.

Also, UK Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne recorded a video about the British government's support for the day's message.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, in agreement with anti-gay group Wisconsin Family Action, has filed a motion asking a judge to allow the state to withdraw from defending the state's domestic partner law because he believes it violates the constitution which says marriage is between a man and a woman.

Members of the conservative group Wisconsin Family Action filed a lawsuit last summer arguing the registry violates the state's constitutional ban on gay marriage. Former Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat who proposed the registry as a means of granting same-sex couples more legal rights, chose to defend the measure and had filed a motion asking Dane County Circuit Judge Daniel Moeser for summary judgment upholding it. Walker, a Republican, inherited the case from Doyle when he took office in January.

…The governor pointed to a legal opinion Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen issued two years ago that concluded the registry was indeed unconstitutional because it mimics marriage.

"While we're disappointed that Gov. Walker has decided not to defend critical protections for same-sex couples, including hospital visitation and family medical leave, this is exactly why we felt it was so important for Fair Wisconsin and Lambda Legal to intervene in this case. We are still committed to defending this legislation and are confident the legislation is constitutional."

The reason behind Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver's separation has been revealed by the L.A. Times. Shriver left after learning he had a child with a longtime member of their household staff more than 10 years ago:

"After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago," Schwarzenegger said Monday night in a statement issued to The Times in response to questions. "I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I have apologized to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry.

"I ask that the media respect my wife and children through this extremely difficult time," the statement concluded. "While I deserve your attention and criticism, my family does not. "

A spokesman for the former first lady said she had no comment.

The staffer worked for the family for more than 20 years, retiring early this year.

While in office as California governor, Schwarzenegger vetoed marriage equality bills twice — once in 2005 and again in 2007 — while he disrespected his own marriage.

The San Francisco Giants will be the first professional sports team to make an "It Gets Better" video following an online petition initiated by gay activist Sean Chapin which gathered more than 6,000 signatures, the SF Chronicle reports:

Giants' spokeswoman Staci Slaughter said today that the team already had been thinking of joining the campaign before Chapin started his petition drive, but his efforts speeded things up. She said the exact content of the video, and which if any players or members of the coaching staff will participate, has not been determined.

Originally, the plan was to produce the video for the Giants LGBT Night home game in August, Slaughter said, "but now we're trying to get it done sooner than later."

The Giants have a strong gay and lesbian fan base and as an organization has a history of promoting tolerance, she said. In 1994, the Giants became the first team in the majors to dedicate a game every year to AIDS awareness.

In his first TV interview since coming out in the New York Times, CNN's Don Lemon appeared on CNN this afternoon to talk about race issues, sexuality, and sexual abuse he suffered as a child.

Says Lemon of the abuse: "Let me just say this. Some people will try to equate being gay with being abused. And the two couldn't be further apart because most abusers are heterosexual and they choose children from the opposite sex. So those two are not connected. They just happened to be the road that I traveled."

"Planking" is an Australian internet fad suddenly in the news down under because a man was recently charged for doing it on a police car. The craze's most well-known face (and bod) belongs to hunky Manly Sea Eagle rugby star David Williams (below).

"Planking" is an Australian internet fad suddenly in the news down under because a man was recently charged for doing it on a police car. The craze's most well-known face (and bod) belongs to hunky Manly Sea Eagle rugby star David Williams (below).

He’s an athlete, a former Division I basketball player who was good enough to start for most of his four seasons, pivotal seasons as the Wildcats blossomed into a national power.

He’s a musician, with a video (“Welcome to the Jungle”) that has gone mini-viral on YouTube and another one (“302”) about to drop this week.

He’s an artist, a performer who is packing the club scene in New York, people responding to both his music and his message. He’s a businessman, a manager at a world-renowned fashion retailer.

And he happens to be gay.

“I’m trying to have a voice and I want that voice to reach as many people as it can,” he said. “I mean, look at me. I’m black. I’m gay. I’m like a quadruple minority and I feel like a little piece of me resides in everybody. Maybe there’s a kid out there who doesn’t think he’s OK and he can look at me and say, ‘OK, he played college basketball. He went overseas. He has a music career and now he’s living his life. Now he’s who he wants to be and he’s happy and confident and comfortable.’ It’s my responsibility to talk about that.”

Sharing porn with men since 1992.

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